Structure and properties of short Areca fiber reinforced Maize PF composites

Abstract

Mechanical properties of the fibers extracted from the areca are determined and compared with the other known natural fiber coir. Further these Areca fibers were chemically treated and the effect of this treatment on fiber strength is studied. Areca fiber composite laminates were prepared with randomly distributed fibers in Maize stalk fine fiber and Phenol Formaldehyde. Composite laminates were prepared with different proportions of phenol formaldehyde and fibers. Tensile test, moisture absorption test, and biodegradable tests on these laminates were carried out. Properties of these areca-reinforced phenol formaldehyde composite laminates were analyzed and reported. � 2009 American Institute of Physics.